From Policy to Practice: Avenues for Making Change
Transcript of From Policy to Practice: Avenues for Making Change
From Policy to Practice: Avenues for Making Change
2021 MAND Advocacy DayMaryland Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
February 24, 2021Noon-1 p.m. Eastern Time
Objectives
• Understand the relationship between policy, advocacy and advancement of the nutrition and dietetics profession
• Identify current Academy federal and state-level policy initiatives
• Learn how you can engage in grassroots advocacy efforts
Speaker
Nate Stritzinger, MPH, RDN
Manager, Grassroots and State Advocacy
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
► I have no conflicts of interest to disclose◄
Polling Question!
Go to www.menti.com and use the code 47 07 49 4
As a nutrition and dietetics professional, which issue is
most important to you?
1. Payment and coverage of nutrition services
2. Telehealth
3. Licensure
4. Order-writing privileges
5. Food access and food security
6. Obesity care
7. Health equity
8. Something else? Type it in.
Quick History Lesson:MNT Under Medicare Part B
1997
Congress instructs HHS and IOM to study MNT
under Medicare
Quick History Lesson:MNT Under Medicaid Part B
1997
Congress instructs HHS and IOM to study MNT
under Medicare
2000
IOM recommends MNT; Congress authorized MNT under Medicare for
diabetes and renal disease
Quick History Lesson:MNT Under Medicaid Part B
1997
Congress instructs HHS and IOM to study MNT
under Medicare
2000
IOM recommends MNT; Congress authorized MNT under Medicare for
diabetes and renal disease
2002
MNT Medicare benefit takes effect
Quick History Lesson:MNT Under Medicaid Part B
1997
Congress instructs HHS and IOM to study MNT
under Medicare
2000
IOM recommends MNT; Congress authorized MNT under Medicare for
diabetes and renal disease
2002
MNT Medicare benefit takes effect
2006
MNT added to list of Medicare telehealth services
Quick History Lesson:MNT Under Medicaid Part B
1997
Congress instructs HHS and IOM to study MNT
under Medicare
2000
IOM recommends MNT; Congress authorized MNT under Medicare for
diabetes and renal disease
2002
MNT Medicare benefit takes effect
2006
MNT added to list of Medicare telehealth services
2011
MNT no longer requires copay as preventive service
Fast-Forward to 2021...
• Physician referral required for MNT services
• Time and scheduling challenges
• Additional disease states not yet added under Medicare
• High rates of chronic disease endure
New Diagnoses Covered
• Prediabetes
• Obesity
• Hypertension
• Dyslipidemia
• Malnutrition
• Eating Disorders
• Cancer
• HIV/AIDS
• Celiac Disease
• Any other condition leading to unintentional weight loss
Other Provisions
• Allows for further expansion of MNT Medicare benefit
• Authority given to the Secretary of Health
• U.S. Preventative Services Task Force
• Established protocols or clinical guidelines
• Broadens referring providers
Appropriations Advocacy Timeline
Setting Priorities
Nov. – Dec.
Collecting member stories
Dec. – Jan.
Meeting with members of appropriations committee
Jan. – Feb.
Filling out 302 (b) forms
Feb. – Mar.
Submit outside witness testimony
April
Watching mark ups; suggesting amendments
May – Sept.
State Licensure
• Licensure of Practice vs. Title Protection
• Definition of scope of practice
• Consumer protection is #1 reason!
National Licensure Strategy
•Developed in response to licensure landscape
•A partnership between the Academy and our affiliates!
• Solve tomorrow’s problems today • Scope of practice
• Telehealth
• Reciprocity
Make Your Voice Heard
Take Action Alerts Share your story Fill out the Member Policy Interest Survey
• Schedule a meeting request
•Prepare for the meeting
• Do your homework
• Talking points
• Leave-behind
Connect with Your Legislators
How to Talk to Your Legislators
• It’s just a conversation
• Introduce yourself, highlight your constituency
• Keep it concise, easy to understand
• Facts and stories
• Clearly state your ‘ask’
Virtual Advocacy:Do’s and Don’ts
Do
• Be flexible
• Keep meetings short
• Be candid and direct
• Prioritize relationship building
Don’t
• Rely on email exclusively
• Use video for every meeting
• Have too many people at each meeting
• Focus only on business
Recap• Every job in nutrition and dietetics is impacted by
food and nutrition policy
• The MNT Act expands coverage and payment opportunities for RDNs
• Federal appropriations = funding for crucial programs, services and research
• Licensure impacts legal scope of practice and helps us protect the public
• Your voice makes a difference - get out there and advocate!
Questions?
Nate Stritzinger, MPH, RDNManager, Grassroots and State Advocacy
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics